Support for Caregivers

At Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI), we understand that when a traumatic event happens to a family member it affects everyone in the family. That is why RHI includes family as an integral part of the treatment plan. We want you to know that you and your caregivers are not alone. You have an entire team of people here at RHI to help. Our team is here not only to provide physical care, but also with the emotional, spiritual, and educational support you need.

As a family member and/or active caregiver you will receive education and training on how to support your loved one when returning home. Our goal is to achieve the highest level of independence and safety as possible. Patients will be shown how to maximize their physical independence with the lowest level of assistance, and caregivers will be shown how to allow the patient to function as independently as possible with the least amount of assistance safely.

Education & Training

Education is an integral part of the rehabilitation experience. As a caregiver, you will be expected to participate actively in the recovery of your loved one. Learning how to assist during the hospital stay will help assist the patient return back into the community at their highest level of care safely. Education and training will occur during individual treatment sessions as well as group sessions offered at various times throughout the hospital stay. Education is available on the following topics:

• Diet
• Resuming Activities
• Medication Administration
• Medical Procedures
• Bowel and Bladder Training
• Diagnostic-specific education such as Traumatic Brain Injury education, stroke education, or spinal cord education. 

Every patient's needs are unique. Your team will design a unique education plan to allow the patient to return to the community setting safely. RHI also partners with Central Indiana Aging & Disability Resources (CICOA) to explore all options to support patients and families in the community.

Spiritual Needs

The RHI chapel is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week and all are welcome to utilize the quiet and calming environment. Services of different denominations are posted on the wall outside the chapel for those who would like to participate. An RHI chaplain is able to visit is desired. Local clergy are also welcome to visit and need only sign in at the front desk during open visiting hours unless prior arrangements have been made.

Pets

Your pet is also welcome to visit, but hospital policies must be followed. Please check with your Discharge Coordinator if you would like to bring your pet into RHI.

Support Groups

Once patients are discharged from RHI we encourage them and their caregivers to stay engaged in one of the following support groups:

• Stroke Support Group meets monthly on the 2^nd Wednesday from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Amputee Support Group meets monthly on the 1^st Wednesday from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meets monthly on the 4^th Monday from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm